Chan Architecture

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Chan Architecture is a design-focused architectural office specialising in high quality residential projects across Melbourne.

After several years working with some of Melbourne's most respected architectural firms, Anthony Chan (BArch, BPD, ARBV, AIA) established Chan Architecture in 2007.

Since then, Chan Architecture has completed a number of successful residential projects across Melbourne, including renovations and extensions, new houses and multi-unit developments.

Our team are experienced, innovative and committed to achieving an outstanding result for every project. Just as importantly, we treat every project whether small, large, simple or complex with absolute commitment and dedication. We are determined to ensure that the completed design and built project satisfies all the client's needs, objectives and aspirations.

We believe that every project should be the result of a collaborative and inclusive process between the client, architect and builder. This attitude manifests itself through all phases of a project from the visualisation of ideas and concepts on paper to the realisation of these ideas and concepts in technical documentation, coordination of key consultants and management of the construction phase.

If you would like to contact our office, please go to the contact page for our details.

Testimonials

Testimonial Comments

abbotsford-extension testimonial

"Dear Anthony,

Simone and I want to formally thank you for our beautiful home. Since moving back "home" we have had numerous visitors to our house and they have all commented on how fantastic the design is. Unexpectedly numerous tradesmen completing the final touches have taken the time to make positive comments. But most importantly our family is happy and enjoying the final result.

When we had our first meeting with you over two years ago our aspirations were naive. We wanted the best parts of our Edwardian house retained- the large front rooms and the high ceilings. Crucially we wanted a modern house to meet the needs of our young family for the next 20 years. One of main reasons that we chose to engage you at that meeting was that we felt you "got it". You listened and were open to our needs and idea. Throughout the next two years that calm, patient and responsive approach was repeatedly demonstrated.

The Sketch Design, Design Development and Town Planning phase is now a distant memory but it was at this stage your organisation and attention to detail became apparent. At this stage it seemed that almost no idea or request from us was too hard or unreasonable. We felt very reassured that we were able to explore a variety of concepts to arrive at what is now a pleasurable house to live in.

Your advice and support in choosing the fittings, finishes and materials made this process so much easier. You gave us the knowledge and resources to make informed decisions. When tendering your efforts in seeking a builder to work within our budget constraints ensured that the final design became a construction project.

It is hard to believe that I considered doing the contract administration myself. Miriam and your ability to work with the builder has saved our sanity! I had no idea how complex joining an 80 year old house to a new extension and liaising with so many trades could be. Whenever a friend asked: "How is your renovation is going?" I replied: "I don't know what I would do without Chan Architecture."

At our site meetings I was regularly impressed at your ability to work with the builder to solve problems as they arose. I was worried about cost blowouts but amazingly cost variations were kept to less than 3% of the total budget. I think key to managing all of this was the high level of accurate documentation and organisation. As I now know you minimised the builder queries and decisions required from us. The clear phone, email and personal communication minimised much of the stress for us. It seemed that at any time I could call with a query and either Miriam or yourself would patiently answer.

All the organisation, good communication and attention to detail would be pointless if the final product wasn't what we wanted. After just a few weeks of living at home we are enjoying the creative ways you introduced natural light in our house. We love the way the old and new join together. The rooms flow together so that home is a pleasure to be in. The spectacular upstairs extension provides exactly the quiet parents retreat we desired. Your guidance of finishes means the internal looks calm and subdued. Whilst the external is already a pleasurable talking point in Abbotsford.

I could go on but suffice to say we anticipate will still be enjoying the design and efforts of Anthony and Miriam and be for grateful for the services of Chan Architecture. We would be pleased to discuss any queries from prospective clients and if it is helpful show them the finished product."

balwyn-north-townhouses testimonial

"We engaged Anthony Chan in April 2007 to prepare a concept design for our proposed two townhouse development at 73 Maud St, Balwyn North.

That initial engagement was later extended to a full architectural services including detailed design, town planning application, construction documentation and construction phrase services.

The project was completed in April this year (2009) and we are absolutely delighted with the result.

During the concept design, town planning and detail design phases, Anthony applied a very high level of design innovation and professionalism. He patiently worked with us through a number of concepts in order to obtain the best use of an extremely restrictive site. The result was the creation of a design for two very distinctive and liveable contemporary townhouses.

Anthony acted as our representative during the construction phase for all formal communications with the builder. He developed a great rapport with the builder and was constantly ensuring that the original design intent was effectively translated into the final built form.

Anthony was very effective in his dealings with local government and other authorities and was able to secure the receipt of permits and approvals in optimum time.Anthony's friendly personality and great sense of humour added greatly to a task that can sometimes be a source of great stress for clients. His timely response to problems or queries allowed the project to move along efficiently and effectively.

The whole project has been an enjoyable experience for us and we have no hesitation in recommending Anthony Chan and his firm Chan Architecture to any prospective client.

I would be pleased to receive any phone call to personally expand on this very positive reference."

brighton-house testimonial

"It is now two months since we moved back "home" and we wanted to let you know how happy we are with the way in which everything has turned out.

We remember very well that first briefing meeting at our house when we discussed the needs of our growing family and what we were hoping to achieve with our renovation. It was a great meeting and we really liked the way that you listened carefully to our thoughts and were prepared to start bouncing some interesting ideas around with us. It gave us a very good insight into you and how you thought as well as what it would be like to work with you on what was a very personal and important project for us.

We knew then that we had chosen the right architect.

This experience was echoed through the creative, detailed design and building processes. You continued to listen to and respond to our needs while not being afraid to keep on stretching our thinking well beyond what we might have initially thought possible.

This was followed up by rigorous attention to detail by you and Mei to make sure that all of the materials, finishes, fixtures and fittings and integrated works were just right and by your ongoing commitment to quality right to the very end of the project, continuing to work with the builder and other professionals to make sure that a successful, stress-free outcome was achieved.

The end result is that we have a new home that not only looks beautiful on the outside but which flows and works exceptionally well on the inside. In a few words, it's smart, modern, edgy, fun, warm, easy, comfortable and welcoming. What else would you want from a house?

We love our new home and couldn't be happier with the experience that we enjoyed working with you and Mei to create it.

Thank you and good luck for the future."

port-melbourne-extension testimonial

"We chose Chan architecture to project manage and design our new home after an interview process.

Anthony and his team worked very closely with us in designing, planning and building/renovating our home from start to finish. The time frames set were adhered to and we moved into our home within our contract time.

We found Anthony and his team extremely professional, easy going and great to work with. They listened to what our goals/needs were in our new home and what was important to us in the design and building process. They also guided us with all the exterior/interior aspects of fittings/costings which helped us stay within our budget and take alot of the stress out.

We would be very happy to use Chan Architecture again in the future if we ever needed too. We couldn't be happier with the end result, our home is everything we expected and fits our needs perfectly."

hawthorn-east-extension-and-renovation testimonial

In Dec. 2012, we engaged Chan Architecture from a recommendation of our friend who was a former client of Anthony Chan to design and project manage our extensive house renovation. We have an English Cottage styled house with many separate and disconnected rooms, as well as small bathrooms. We wanted a modern feel for the rear of the house by adopting an open concept and bringing the outside in.

We were based overseas and relied almost entirely on Anthony and Michelle to manage and oversee the entire project. We kept in close communication through emails, skype and phone calls and knew we could count on them to get the job done.

We are very impressed with the standard of professionalism displayed by Anthony and Michelle. They were able to take our vision for the house and execute it down to every little detail.

It was a dream come true to see our house transformed. Because of Anthony and Michelle’s hard work, we now have a smooth flow of traffic coming in from the entrance leading to the rear renovation in maximising the north facing aspect and view of the pool. We simply love our new open kitchen concept, informal dining and entertainment area.

The new downstairs bedroom en-suite and walk in wardrobe was well incorporated with the whole house and stylishly designed. Now, we have a balcony upstairs, taking full advantage of the beautiful city views to the west.

Thanks to Anthony, we now have a wonderfully designed home to unwind and relax. It was truly a pleasure to work with Anthony and his team and we strongly recommend him to anyone looking for a house transformation.

kew-house testimonial

"We engaged Anthony Chan in April 2008 to participate in the renovation of our 25 year old house. The house was in good working condition but we wanted to update and modernise the various areas to better suit our use and needs. In addition, the project included building an art studio away from the main house.

The design phase took about 4 months where Anthony discussed our requirement extensively and then came up with solutions and new ideas. Besides communicating with us, Anthony also worked well with the engineering firms, the many suppliers such as the kitchen cabinet representatives, the tile shop, and the window suppliers.

Anthony assisted us in finding a suitable builder and acted as our representative during the renovation phase to make sure that the project was completed as designed and specified, on time and within budget.

We are very pleased with the result and have no hesitation in recommending Anthony Chan to any prospective client."

hawthorn-east renovation testimonial

"In August 2011 we purchased a 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom Victorian home in Hawthorn East. To describe it as a “renovator’s delight” would be somewhat of an understatement. Whilst it has a lovely Hawthorn brick façade and a classic Victorian look, it was bordering on unliveable at the time of purchase. As first home owners we were excited, but incredibly nervous, about the process we were about to embark on.

We engaged Chan Architecture in September 2011 to design and oversee our renovation. The brief was to fully renovate the interior and exterior of the existing home, adding an ensuite and WIR to the master bedroom in the process.

Anthony Chan oversaw our project with the assistance of senior architect, Mei Yang. From our very first meeting with Anthony and Mei we felt vindicated in our decision to buy and renovate our first home. Anthony and Mei worked in tandem to keep the project (and their clients!) focussed and on track – their complimentary skills sets meant that we had creativity, attentiveness, experience, good humour and a practical solution at our finger tips throughout the entire process.

Renovating such an old home (built in the 1890’s) brings with it tremendous uncertainty and the possibility of surprises. Through their meticulous planning and skilled project management, Anthony and Mei kept the surprises to an absolute minimum. The end result was a beautiful and stylish renovation delivered on time and on budget, which we and our kids absolutely love.

We wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Chan Architecture to potential clients and would be happy to provide further feedback upon request."

canterbury-extension testimonial

Chan Architecture provided a full service from design through construction supervision with a renovation of a two level house to add a third level and a room extension on the bottom level. Anthony combined innovative and attractive design with practical building solutions that made the project affordable.

Prior to construction we moved overseas and Anthony and his staff provided effective communications on all the critical issues. He regularly e-mailed photographs to keep us up to date and with 3d drawing images we were able to provide effective input where required.

Site reports including cost management were sent monthly allowing us adequate project oversight. Importantly Anthony has worked diligently with the construction contractor ensuring timely and effective resolution of outstanding issues after construction completion.

We are delighted with the result which has enhanced the look, liveability and value of the house significantly.